Make New York Post a Preferred Source Getty Images Buffalo Traffic Jam sounds like they’ve been playing live together forever, which makes it hard to believe they released their first EP just two years ago.
For those not in the know, frontman Frankie Cassidy and mandolin player/guitarist/sometimes vocalist Nathan Ross met as students at Bozeman’s Montana State University. Now, just a few short years later, their college connection has gone from performing together to becoming the “it” band you’ll want to catch while they’re still playing small rooms. With Noah Kahan’s Out of the Blue Festival and Stagecoach on their calendar for 2027, we’re starting to believe that already-short window might not last much longer.
At the first of their two sold-out nights at New York City’s Irving Plaza, the stage still had a little of that college dorm feel: a simple setup, mismatched rugs and, in the center of it all, two friends playing music together. The room, though, was packed. Groups of guys and girls threw their arms around each other, swaying and fist-pumping as they sang along. Early in the night, “Comfort in Misery” already had everyone belting out every word.
Hearing them live, you understand why people get so into it. Lead singer Frankie Cassidy’s voice instantly draws you in—raspy and warm, with a weathered quality that makes it hard to believe he’s only 24. Nathan Ross’ guitar and mandolin bring out their folk roots, and their unexpected take on “House of the Rising Sun” fit their voices so well that I’d happily listen to a recorded version on repeat.
Their own storytelling is what kept me coming back, though. “Pictures of You,” “Too Young to Die” and “Buyin’ Dirt,” all from their recently released debut album “Pictures of You”, were some of my favorites to hear live. They put feelings like missing someone or not knowing what comes next into words you want to wail at the top of your lungs. For how often loneliness comes up in their songs, there was very little isolation in that room where we all felt connected.
Then, when “Fool’s Gold” hit, the crowd lost their collective mind. The song recently went gold within a year of its release and has topped 120 million Spotify streams. Hearing everyone belt out “Oh no, don’t go, I’ve been here before” made it clear why. It’s the kind of song you want to scream-sing with your friends, and that’s exactly what everyone did.
If Caamp, Mt. Joy, Mumford & Sons or Jonah Kagen are already on your playlists, Buffalo Traffic Jam should be on your radar.
I got a quick moment with Nathan and Frankie to ask which New York venue they dream of playing. They said Brooklyn Steel. After seeing that rowdy yet affectionate crowd at Irving Plaza, it’s easy to picture and I’d want need tickets.
A complete calendar including all North American tour dates, venues and links to buy tickets can be found below.
To make sure you’re in the loop, we’ve listed the festival names, dates, venues, fellow headliners and links to buy tickets here:
Based on our findings at Set List FM, these are the 18 songs that Buffalo Traffic Jam performed at Irving Plaza on Oct. 1.
13.) “The House of the Rising Sun” (traditional cover)
On July 31, Buffalo Traffic Jam released their debut album “Pictures Of You.”
It’s sensitive, raw, strummy and a confident statement that they can hang with the best of the best in twangy campfire rock.
Standouts here include the anthemic “Hanging on Hope,” twinkling epic “Older,” nervy toe-tapper “Too Young to Die,” hard-charging “Buyin’ Dirt” and ethereal title track “Pictures of You.”
Of course, we’d be absolutely remiss if we didn’t mention the singalong “Fool’s Gold,” which has become the duo’s calling card. It starts small, finds a rhythm and builds to a fever pitch that you can’t help but howl along to. It’s huge, it’s intimate, it’s music at its very best. We’re hooked.
To hear for yourself, you can find “Pictures Of You” here.
PS: Don’t skip the low-key “Graves,” galvanizing “How to Breathe” or nostalgia-tinged, harmonica-fied album closer “Afraid to Fall in Love Again.” They’re on par with the rest of the songs listed above and just as worthy of your time.
Buffalo Traffic Jam not headed to your neck of the woods?
Many of the biggest folk rockers will be taking their talents (and mandolins) to fans all over the country these next few months. Here are just five of our favorites you won’t want to miss live.
Who else is out and about? Take a look at all the biggest folk rockers on tour in 2026 to find the show for you.
This article was written by Matt Levy, New York Post live events reporter. Levy stays up-to-date on all the latest tour announcements from your favorite musical artists and comedians, as well as Broadway openings, sporting events and more live shows – and finds great ticket prices online. Since he started his tenure at the Post in 2022, Levy has reviewed a Bruce Springsteen concert and interviewed Melissa Villaseñor of SNL fame, to name a few. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.
